Hi!

We rehearsed yesterday morning with my Choir and the Orchestra in a cold palace (a church without heating). It was cold enough for me to wear my winter jacket while singing!. I noticed that the first flute kept blowing his breath through the blow hole before he had a part to play.

I supposed he was trying to keep his flute warm, but there could be some other reason.

So,
Is it a normal procedure to blow one's breath through the instrument in such circumstances? ( I think it could get really damp!

What happens if the instrument is colder than normal (but not so cold as freezing, about 8 deg. C (46 deg F)? I believe the player can tune to concert pitch without problem, but is the scale affected -or some other feature- by the low temperature ?


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Sorry, not a palace, justa a place....

the pitch goes flat very easily when the flute is cold, so blowing warm air into the tube helps, it's also easier to play on a warm flute

i misteriously do that ever since i got to my flute lesson one day and it was cold so my teacher said to blow some warm air through it before i started the warm it up

"Is it a normal procedure to blow one's breath through the instrument in such circumstances? ( I think it could get really damp!)"
yes, and it's a distinct problem for players and their instruments.

"What happens if the instrument is colder than normal (but not so cold as freezing, about 8 deg. C (46 deg F)? I believe the player can tune to concert pitch without problem, but is the scale affected -or some other feature- by the low temperature ?"

Playing in an area where the temp is 46 deg F. isn't really a good idea and it's unfortunate for the instrument and the quality of performance when it does happen.

Sure it may be still possible to play a note in tune since it is generally possible to play any given note with a range of about 1/2 step sharp to about 1/2 step flat under normal circumstances. But at about that temperature or below it may become increasingly difficult to tune the complete range of the flute to the "design pitch" of the instrument. What I mean is that the notes may not be in tune relative to each other and as you are playing the pitch may vary while the metal (and the resultant inside air temp. tries to stabilize).
I prefer not to play in that sort of environment for a few reasons. One is that if I am not adequately dressed (Say a formal suit without thermal underwear), my core body temperature will get a bit low and my arm and finger muscles will get to a point where muscle control accuracy diminishes. I notice this more after 40 years of playing. Another is of course that the flute will generally collect more condensation inside and this can settle into the pads. This can be one of the most severe conditions becasue without warning, enough moisture can create a bubble and when the key is opened, the bubble will keep the acousitc space closed making the note bad in tuning and tone.

I also use a heavy-wall flute and I've noticed that this instrument is more stable somewhat since it changes the pitch relative to the temperature more slowly. The type of metal of the instrument can affect this issue as well since different metals exchange heat differently but for flutists this generally isn't much of a necessary consideration.

Playing outside is a concern not only for the temperature issue but if there is any wind blowing, it can change things in this respect more wildly.

Other areas where this can be an issue if not considered:
1)Playing in orchestra pits in musicals, The pit can be cold as the cold air migrates to the lowest point in the hall.
2)Excessive air circulation in a performance enviorn. Such as an operating fan can throw the group off.
3)Warming up in a cold empty hall and then performing in a warm one. The audience will raise the temp. of the room.
4)Having long rests in the music where the player allows the instrument to cool at rest.

Someone on one other forum recently suggested placing their hand on the receiver of the flute body to keep the flute warm but this only warms a small section of the flute and may not be adequate. Blowing a few warm breaths into the instrument occasionally with the keys closed without making any noise will probably make a difference and it's about the best that we can do.